I think the Khaki Field Murph is a good example. I can see a person who is just getting into watches buying the Murph as their first nice watch. I can also see someone who’s been several years into watches adding the Murph to their five- or ten-watch collection.
I don’t feel like the same can be said for, say, a Tissot Gentleman, although it’s a great watch no doubt.
This is probably very subjective. You may disagree with the examples I gave. But I hope you get what I mean. What is your example of a such watch?
Another way to put it: What do you wish you have bought as your first watch (or early in your hobby journey), knowing what you know now about watches, about your taste, and so on?
If I’m buying my first watch, maybe a Seiko or a Casio. If someone is buying for me, my answer would be the underrated yet pricey yet innovative, this is very specific but watches like Ciga Blue Design (world) and Gos Norrsken (northern lights).
Seiko snk 809. Everyone love’s that little gem!
I was really impressed with the Baltic MR01
I considered myself somewhat of a seasoned watch enthusiast so if someone is walking around with this watch and has a spare minute I’ll definitely have a conversation with him
Owning a high end watch is not a skill that needs to be worked into…there are no beginner watches.
I would not buy a high end watch as a first watch. There is learning that comes from experience, about what kind of watch someone likes, how they like it to fit, what features they need or do not need etc.
PRX, Bambino, Baby Alpinist
First watch redo: No regrets hahaha
Pretty token role for the G shock. With all the options and colors at under 100 bucks beginners can buy in. For the vet they always need something that can take a beating.
Much of the Seiko 5 series would qualify here, often it is a “first mechanical” watch for many people. I’m thinking the dive-style, field, and GMT’s in particular. Back in the day it would have been the SKX divers and SNK field watches. Prices have gone up but I think still a good choice for beginners as well as enthusiasts.
There’s gotta be Timex and Casio on this list too. Timex maybe Q Timex 1979 Reissue, or Weekender, or Expedition. Casio would be F-91W or a G-shock of some kind.
Citizen watches with an eco-drive movement. They’re solid, reliable for years, and accurate. With dive watches, chronographs, titanium, gps, atomic sync, etc… There’s something for everyone.
I really love the idea of Eco-Drive, just never found a reference that I love the look of.
My watch “collection” has gradually turned into an Eco-Drive collection.
Turtle, Khaki Mechanical field
The first watch doesn’t matter; it just happens to be the first. It’s not like a watch requires skill or experience to wear. I’d get the same first watch again because I liked it and could afford it at the time.
Vintage Soviet watches. I’m a shop owner and we regularly sell to newcomers to watches as well as seasoned collectors with Rolexes.
I have dozens of watches.
This past summer, I added a Seiko 5 Rowing Blazers to my collection (the yellow dial), and 2 weeks ago, another Seiko Cocktail Time SRPK48.
I also have SRPB41, SRPH78, SRPJ13, and SRPD37.They are relatively inexpensive, yet fantastic watches.
The Seiko 5 Rowing Blazers edition is really cool.
That’s hard… CW The Twelve maybe?